If you have a craving for something sweet, tangy, and utterly mouthwatering, this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Originating from Hawaii, Huli Huli Chicken offers a beautiful harmony of flavors with a perfectly glazed exterior and juicy, tender chicken inside. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but special enough to impress guests. Get ready to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but come together in a way that creates a complex and balanced flavor profile. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s the salty soy sauce, sweet honey and brown sugar, or the bright pineapple juice that adds that tropical zing.
- Soy sauce: The salty backbone of the marinade that adds umami depth.
- Ketchup: Adds a hint of tomato sweetness and thickens the sauce slightly.
- Brown sugar: Provides rich sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken as it grills.
- Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
- Pineapple juice: Gives the marinade a tropical brightness and tenderizes the chicken.
- Sesame oil: Offers a nutty aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
- Garlic (minced): Pungent and flavorful, it adds savory depth.
- Grated ginger: Adds a warm spice and freshness.
- Ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- Chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all the delicious marinade.
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, and sesame oil in a medium bowl. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. This forms the perfect balance of sweet and savory to coat your chicken.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasoning
Next, stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. These ingredients elevate the flavor, giving it a fresh, slightly spicy kick that complements the sweet elements beautifully. Whisk well to combine.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or sealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally let it soak in all those flavors for 2 to 4 hours. This step is key for tender, flavorful chicken.
Step 4: Preheat and Grill
Warm up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade, reserving the leftover liquid. Grill the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). You want that beautiful char and caramelization on the outside while keeping it juicy on the inside.
Step 5: Simmer the Marinade Sauce
While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook down for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly, turning into a glossy glaze you will brush on the chicken.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once your chicken is perfectly grilled, let it rest for a few minutes to lock in juices. Then, brush it generously with the thickened marinade glaze. This final touch amps up the flavor and gives the chicken its signature shiny, sticky finish.
How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top to add pops of color and a subtle crunch. These little details make your presentation look polished and add fresh herbal notes to balance the richness.
Side Dishes
Serve this chicken alongside steamed white rice or coconut rice to soak up the luscious sauce. Grilled pineapple slices or a fresh cabbage slaw add a lovely tropical brightness that complements the marinade’s sweet and tangy flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken and serve it on skewers as a party appetizer or layering it in a sandwich with crisp lettuce and a drizzle of mayo infused with sriracha. The versatility of this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe means you can get creative without sacrificing that iconic flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Huli Huli Chicken, pop it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay juicy and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the best texture.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out. A quick brush of leftover glaze or marinade will help bring back that freshly grilled flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a bit more fat, which means extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may need a little longer on the grill.
What if I don’t have pineapple juice?
If pineapple juice isn’t available, you can substitute with orange juice or a mix of apple cider vinegar and a little sugar for a similar sweet acidity in the marinade.
Is it necessary to simmer the marinade after grilling?
Yes, simmering the marinade ensures it’s safe to eat as it’s been in contact with raw chicken. It also thickens and concentrates the flavors, making it perfect for brushing on the cooked chicken.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Definitely! Use a grill pan on your stovetop or bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, basting with the simmered marinade for that sticky, flavorful coating.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?
While 30 minutes is the minimum, marinating for 2 to 4 hours allows the flavors to truly penetrate the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Huli Huli Chicken Recipe is destined to become a staple in your home cooking. It’s a little tropical vacation on a plate—sweet, savory, tangy, and perfectly sticky. Whether grilling for a family dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and absolutely delicious. Give it a try and watch it turn any meal into a celebration.
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Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken dish featuring a sweet and savory marinade made with soy sauce, pineapple juice, ginger, and garlic. Marinated chicken breasts are grilled to juicy perfection and finished with a reduced glaze for a flavorful, tropical-inspired meal perfect for any grill master.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, and sesame oil.
- Mix Smoothly: Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is uniform and smooth.
- Add Aromatics and Seasoning: Incorporate minced garlic, grated ginger, and ground black pepper into the marinade, whisking until fully blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts into a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.
- Coat Chicken: Pour marinade over the chicken ensuring even coverage.
- Refrigerate: Seal and refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 to 4 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high.
- Remove Chicken from Marinade: Take chicken out, reserving marinade for later use.
- Grill Chicken: Place chicken on grill and cook about 6 to 7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Simmer Reserved Marinade: Pour reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce Marinade: Let marinade simmer for approximately 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Rest Chicken: Remove grilled chicken from heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
- Glaze Chicken: Brush the thickened marinade glaze onto the chicken breasts.
- Serve: Serve the Huli Huli Chicken hot, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Marinating for longer (up to 4 hours) enhances the flavor greatly.
- Ensure the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Reserved marinade must be boiled to kill any bacteria from raw chicken before using as glaze.
- Garnishing with green onions or sesame seeds adds a nice texture and visual appeal.
- Can be served with rice or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
